Explore Bath County, Virginia: Hot Springs, Local Cideries, and Outdoor Adventures
Drifting on a float noodle in the Gentlemen’s Bathhouse at the Warm Springs Pools is the best kind of time travel. Ninety-eight-degree waters, blue skies overhead, and a frozen-in-time setting that would be recognizable to a long line of presidents, socialites, and mineral spring devotees create a unique experience.
The historic pools, which reopened in 2022 following a $4.6 million rehabilitation, are a marquee attraction in Bath County, nestled in the far western fringes of Virginia. Here, the corrugated Allegheny Mountains break free from the Appalachians, leaving trout-filled streams, verdant valleys, and a plethora of thermal hot springs in their wake.
Moreover, an influx of new residents and entrepreneurs, many with local ties, are infusing this picturesque scene with a vibrant ambiance where hospitality and outdoor adventure abound. Bath County is a four-season destination; however, spring and summer are exceptionally lovely, with wildflowers blooming and temperatures a few degrees cooler than the rest of the state.
Take a Soak in the Bathhouses of Warm Springs
From the late 1700s until the early 20th century, a wealth of mineral-rich springs attracted high-society vacationers to Bath County. They traveled by horse and buggy and later by train, descending on the region’s numerous resorts to “take the waters”—the fancy term for soaking up the reputed curative powers of the springs.
In the village of Warm Springs, two large, wood-frame bathhouses serve as photogenic portals to this aristocratic past. The Gentlemen’s Bathhouse surrounds a stone basin constructed in 1761, making it the oldest spa structure in the US, while the 22-sided Women’s Bathhouse opened in the 1870s.
Consequently, the majority of other grand resorts in the area were lost to fire or closed due to years of neglect. “Those that existed are almost completely erased from the landscape, which makes those in Warm Springs nationally significant,” said Julie Langan, Director of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. This historical importance stems from the fact that these bathhouses are the lone survivors of their era.
Presidential bathers here have included Martin van Buren, John Tyler, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Thomas Jefferson also visited, and the baths have been informally known as the Jefferson Pools for years. Four natural springs, rich with 15 minerals, feed the translucent blue waters.
Taste Cider and Join the Weekly Party at Oakley Farm in Warm Springs
At Troddenvale Cider, say hello to the resident bloodhounds as you step into the North Stable. With its mismatched chairs and simple wooden tables, the stables are charismatically rustic. Just be cautious to guard your cheeseboard and charcuterie from the opportunistic hounds.
Troddenvale’s ciders embrace the winemaking concept of terroir, focusing on the authentic flavors of Virginia-grown fruit. The cidery, a passion project for owners Will and Cornelia Hodges, is located on sprawling Oakley Farm, one of the oldest farms in Warm Springs Valley.
Every Friday from April to December, the stable hosts the best party in the county, featuring local produce, flights of cider, and live music. A rotating cast of regional chefs serves dinners from an Instagram-ready Airstream, making it a vibrant night out.
Eat and Drink at Bath County’s Best Bars and Restaurants
The festive ambiance at Bacova Beer Co, located in nearby Hot Springs, offers an excellent culinary experience. Sample their Furious George ale with delicious tater tots, smothered with queso, guacamole, and sour cream, which are widely regarded as great comfort food. Bacova, owned by former Forest Service employees Seth and Emily Ellis, is a buzzing favorite in the area.
Another popular spot is the Sam Snead Tavern, adorned with golf memorabilia and legendary golfer Sam Snead’s artifacts. The tavern offers hearty southern breakfasts, and artful sandwiches served at lunchtime, making it a must-visit.
Pedal, Hike and Paddle Bath County’s Forests and Valleys
Forests cover 89% of Bath County, known for its ridge-and-valley terrain. Ideal for mountain biking, destinations such as Beard’s Mountain and the Sandy Gap Trail feature impressive Civilian Conservation Corps rockwork. Hikers can stroll along the Jackson River, where wildflowers bloom, or venture up the Flag Rock Trail for breathtaking views of Warm Springs.
Where to Stay in Bath County: Resort Rooms, Cabins, and Cottages
As the last surviving mineral springs resort in Virginia, the Omni Homestead welcomes guests with its historic charm. The resort showcases a wealth of new features, including refreshed guest rooms adorned with crisp floral patterns, and a dining experience focusing on Virginia’s best wines, enhancing guests’ stay.
Skywatchers will delight in Bath County’s famously dark skies. Numerous hiking trails crisscross the 3300-acre Fort Lewis Lodge, where chic cabins and cottages are located mere steps from the Cowpasture River, offering a picturesque retreat.
How to Get to Bath County
Bath County is conveniently located 210 miles west of Washington, DC, and 240 miles from Charlotte, NC. The best way to immerse oneself in the historic pools and beautiful natural scenery is to spend at least three days exploring this charming destination.
